Sunday Stealing

Hi! Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud) Cheers to all of us thieves!

From Unconscious Mutterings.  There are no right or wrong answers.  Don't limit yourself to one word responses, just say whatever pops in your head.  Thanks to The Gal Herself for the suggestion.

 

I say ... and you think ... ?

Hurry! ::
up

Dumb ::
as a rock

Fudge :: 
Mmmm...hot fudge sundaes!

Sturdy :: 
trees

Printing :: 
is good, but kids need to learn cursive

Itch :: 
that's what back scratchers are for

Creaks :: 
doors

Paste :: 
doesn't work as well as double-stick tape

Waste of time :: 
signing petitions to change #45's mind about anything

Let down :: 
milk!!  (remembering my breastfeeding days)

Cancellation ::
At this time of the year, "cancellation" makes me think of favorite TV programs that are no more.

Suspect ::
we haven't heard the last of the Mueller report.

Fireplace ::
The unused place in our house where you can sit...because of pollution we aren't supposed to use our fireplaces any more.

Spring ::
a beautiful time of year here, unfortunately followed by summer.

Commute ::
Something I don't have to do, which, seeing  the roads and freeways around here during rush hour, makes me very happy.

Places ::
in the heart

Fraud ::
Any millionaire politician who thinks because he has money (or not) he can run the country.

Adoption ::
Puppies. 

Election ::
A day of hope.  Depending on how 2020 goes, either relief or all-out depression.

Moving day ::
boxes and boxes.  And more boxes. Our house is full of things left over from moving days of many people!

Sunday Stealing

Queen Songs -

Bohemian Rhapsody - What matters to you more than anything in the world?
My children's happiness, health for Walt and me, my mother's final days/months/years.

Don’t Stop Me Now - What makes you feel unstoppable?
I don't know that I have ever felt unstoppable

Another One Bites The Dust - What one thing would you wipe off the face of the earth?
Only one?  Too many to choose, but among them domestic violence, violence against children, sex trafficking, poverty, hunger, etc., etc., etc.  Oh.  And the Trump administration!

Under Pressure - How stressed are you currently?
Less than I was before we moved my mother to her new house.  I'm feeling kind of relaxed right now, actually.

We Will Rock You - What was the last concert you went to?
Local musician Tom Fay was performing his "Santa Rhumba" with this Rhythm Kings at Harlow's in Sacramento, along with a short performance by Preoccupied Pipers, with Ned on the drums

Somebody To Love - Are you looking for somebody to love?
Nope.

We Are The Champions - What achievement are you most proud of?
How close we all are as a family.  I love watching my kids interact with each other.

Radio GaGa - What do you think of today’s popular music?
I actually haven't paid much attention to popular music since the 60s.  I prefer to listen to show tunes, or classical music, or John Denver.

I Want To Break Free - If you could move to any part of the world, where would you want to live?
I'm happy here.  I wouldn't want to live far from our kids.

Love Of My Life - Have you ever had your heart broken?
I'm 76.  Of course!

Killer Queen - What is your favourite thing about yourself?
Not much.  I guess I like my sense of compassion and my sense of humor

The Show Must Go On - What is something you will never give up?
Best Foods Mayonnaise.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Name some of your favourite musicians.
Judy Garland, John Denver, Haunani Kahalawai

Who Wants To Live Forever - If you could be immortal, would you?
Good God no!  The older you get the more friends you lose--just found out today a good friend is now under Hospice care.  Immortality can be a lonely thing.

Fat Bottomed Girls - What are some traits you look for in a partner?
Well, probably not fat bottomed.  A sense of humor, shared interests

I Want It All - If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?
Happiness and contentment for my mother at the end. I'd like to see her be happy once more.  And a Democrat in the White House again.

Sunday Stealing

1. I wish I had enough money to ________.
make a significant difference in the lives of all the children I sponsor around the world (e.g. building water/bathroom facilities where there are none)

2. If you had to enter a competition for the "Most Uselessly Unique Talent," what would your talent be?
I can wiggle my ears -- sort of.  I also know the deaf sign language alphabet and often use bad words in sign language instead of saying them.

3. When it might hurt their feelings, how do you feel about telling your friends the truth?
I guess it depend on how serious the truth is.  I have lost a friend because of telling her about something serious.  Not sorry I did it, but sorry I lost the friendship.

4. Peanut or plain?
Depends.  For peanut butter, definitely plain. For anything that you can add peanuts to, definitely add peanuts! 

5. Is there someone you would like to take your place in life for one day? Who and why?
I'd like my mother's stepson to come and spend a day dealing with problems concerning my mother.

6. Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Sister Anne my junior year typing teacher, was my favorite teacher and then my friend until her death many years later.  Daughter Jeri is named for her (Jerilyn Anne).  Why? I dunno.  We just clicked.

7. What do you think is the ugliest thing or event on Earth?
Wow...so many Trump-related things from which to choose, starting with his smirk, the sight of him hugging any of the dictators he seems to admire, or the sight of jailed children longing for parents they will never see again.

8. What is your least favorite of your personality traits or quirks?
Again, so many from which to choose, but if I start mentioning them I might have to start DOING something about them.

9. I wish I could see ________ because _________.
Paul and David, because I miss them every day, even though it's been 20 years

10. Tell us your favorite children's story.
There was a story I used to love when I was a little kid about a family who lived in China, where it was illegal to eat pork.  They raised pigs and one day their barn burned down and in reaching inside to see if any of the pigs were alive, the father poked a burned pig and put his finger in his mouth to cool it off...discovering how delicious roasted pork is.  I've mentioned this story before and someone found a web site where the whole essay is printed, though not in the simple child-like story I remember.

11. Explain how to play your favorite game.
I miss my cousins.  When we had Cousins Day for several years with my mother we always played a game we called "65," though I think the official name is "Crowns."  It's a card game that is probably entirely too complicated to explain, but we loved it.

12. What do you keep in the trunk of your car?
The usual car care stuff, a blanket, recycle bags for groceries, bottled water (moved a bottle at a time to the inside, depending on whether I'm out of drinking water of not, and my walker.

13. Tell us about your favorite way to get lost in a simple activity � running, chopping vegetables, folding laundry, whatever. What�s it like when you�re in "the zone"?
In the zone for me is generally sitting here at  the computer, suddenly realizing that several hours have passed.  I can also get lost in reading a good book, though I am more aware of the time then.

14. What�s your dream tourist destination � either a place you�ve been and loved, or a place you�d love to visit? What about it speaks to you?
I have always wanted to go to Africa because of my love of the big animals, but at 76, with all sort of minor physical problems, I don't see that happening now.  I've also wanted to go through the inland passage to Alaska, though with my mother still alive, travel is not possible because I don't want to be so far away in an emergency.
[ASIDE:  She got into the board and care home we visited yesterday and will move on Tuesday!!!]

15. What parts of nature do you like best?
I am a freak for Nature specials on TV, mostly the animal ones, especially elephants and apes of all sizes.  This time of year, I love driving somewhere where there is an explosion of wildflowers.  I have heard that with all the rain it is going to be gorgeous this year, but since we aren't "traveling" right now, we will miss it.

16. What kind of program do you enjoy most on TV--detective shows, comedies, game shows--and why?
Crime dramas like NCIS, NCIS-LA, Criminal Minds, SVU and I just decided I think I'm going to like the new Whiskey Cavalier.  I don't know because I'm so NOT into violence, but maybe it plays to something in the dark part of my soul.  Mostly I like the shows because of the camaraderie among the teams.

17. Do you know any professional athletes?
Our son went to school with a guy who played football, for a time, on the Vikings.  It was most fun the year they were in the Super Bowl.

18. What will the next must-have technological innovation be? Jetpacks? Hoverboards? Wind-powered calculators?
I don't know, but I probably won't get it for years.  I am not one to hop on the latest technological innovation, but wait until the excitement dies down--and I know the thing really WORKS the way everyone hoped it would (and the price has dropped a bit!)

19. Have you ever been the victim of a crime?
When I was a kid, someone broke into our house and stole the contents of my piggy bank (among other things).  I still feel violated.  Someone also broke into David's car, after his death, and stole his brand new radio/tape player.  And then there was the little incident of my sister being murdered by her partner, but that was so long ago it almost doesn't seem real any more

20. What if you woke up tomorrow with the ability to understand animals. What do you think you�d hear from them?
I want to have a conversation with Polly to see if I've interpreted all of her conversational barks with us correctly. 

21.What is something that makes you melancholy?
The current state of the world and this country's role in it, my mother's increasing dementia, missing Paul and David.

Sunday Stealing

16.) What is your favorite wild animal?
The elephant.  I have read extensively about elephant societies and find them fascinating. I also just love watching them.

 

17.) Name 3 of your favorite childhood shows:
Wow--that was a long time ago and we didn't have a TV until I was 10.  The ones I remember are Superman, Howdy Doody, and Beanie and Cecil.

18.) If you could live as a character in a movie who would it be?
Jo in LittleWomen. or Velvet in National Velvet.

19.) Favorite vegetable?
When it's considered not a fruit, tomato.  Otherwise artichoke.

20.) Favorite Fruit?
Strawberries (with bananas a close second)

21.) If you had a dragon what would you name it?
Puff

22.) What do you put on hotdogs?
At home, just mustard.  At a ball game, mustard, kechup, onions, cheese (and add garlic fries too!)

23.) Do you play online games?
The only one I play with someone else is Scrabble at Bug Cafe.

24.) What's your favorite way to get inspired?
Lots of things inspire me, some from reading, some from video reports.

25.) Do you have a middle name?
Yes.

26.) If you had to order from a kid's menu, what would you get?
Probably a cheeseburger.

27.) Do you speak any other languages?
A smattering of French and a smattering of Portuguese, neither as fluent as I was 15 or so years ago.

28.) Do you use Twitter?
I read some tweets and check periodically, but I don't really "use" it.  Mostly I check on what outlandish thing #45 has said.

29.) Do you go onto YouTube?
Yes!  often and especially whenever Randy Rainbow posts a new video.  This is his most recent

30.) Do you play Angry Birds?
I did for a very short period of time, but I was so bad at it that I gave up...I later found out there are a bunch of tricks to use, but by that time I didn't care any more

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!

This is kind of weird.  It's from a set of "Storywise" cards that were made for Alzheimers patients, which they have at the facility where my mother lives.

1. The strangest place you've ever been.

The Pinnacle Desert, in Western Australia.  There are thousands of limestone pillars like these and the whole place looks like a set for Star Trek.

2. Unusual food combinations you enjoy.

My son loved Peanut butter, jelly and tuna, which was pretty weird.  I don't have that weird taste (he added pickles one day and decided that was too gross).  Like Elvis, I like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.  But I can't think of anything truly unusual.

3. Your best cure for hiccups.

A spoon full of sugar works for me almost every time, letting it slowly melt on my tongue

4. Something you have never done but would like to try.
I'm too old and too fat now, but I am sorry that I never learned how to ride a horse.

5. A routine you do every day without fail
Watch Jeopardy and then cook dinner.

6. Something new you've recently learned.
That with the shut down of the government, vandals are ruining national parks, such as painting and chopping down irreplaceable 1000 year old trees in Joshua Tree National Park.

 

what it looks like

 

what it should look like.

7. Your keenest sense.
My sense of humor!

8. Whether you prefer cooking or cleaning up.
Definitely cooking.  How fortunate I am that before his surgery, Walt had taken over doing the cleaning after dinner.

9. Where were you the last time you saw the sun rise.
In our back yard.  We are often awake early enough to watch the sun rise.  We have seen some beautiful sunrises.

10. A recent time you were embarrassed.
A couple of days ago when I realized, with a head full of soapy hair, that I had left my hearing aids in.

11. An everyday sound that delights you.
When Polly barks to let us know that the mailman has come

12. The last conversation you had with a stranger.

The past week I have spoken with a lot of strangers, all working at Kaiser Hospital, about Walt's condition.  (Now that he's home I only talk with family about his condition!)

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!

Questions from Sleepy Rambles

1. Are you filled with joy today?
Definitely not today.

2. Has it been a rough week?
Yes.  Walt had to go back into the hospital and it's been up and down and we're all a bit on edge today.  Fortunately he may be sent home tomorrow.

3. If given the opportunity, would you like to star in a musical?
Nah.  Too much work and then I'd have to face someone like ME who is in the audience to critique my performances.  I'd rather watch a musical than star in one.

4. Name one person you’d take a bullet for.
Anybody in the family -- Walt, my kids, my grandkids

5. Did you trip over anything today?
Not today.  But that's only because the day is only half over.

6. Last time you painted a picture?
When I was a kid doing paint by numbers.

7. Is your favorite color yellow?
Depends on the day.  It's a toss up between red and yellow.

8. Were you born in a hospital? Do you know the name of the person that delivered you?
I was born in a hospital, but have no idea who delivered me.  I also gave birth in a hospital five times and can't remember any of the names of the people who delivered my children (it was at teaching hospital and births were attended by interns)

9. Have you ever had a friend or relative that’s incarcerated?
Not that I know of, but I have a lot of relatives and it would surprise me if many of them weren't incarcerated at one time or another.

10. Do you enjoy romantic movies, even when they’re cliche?
Yeah.  I'm a softie for a happy ending.

11.Would you rather watch a movie or listen to music?
Watch a movie.  I used to listen to movies a lot, but in the last many years, I prefer TV

12.Ever been to Rhode Island?
We drove through it once.  Didn't stop.

13.Can you tell the difference between a Scottish & an Irish accent?
Possibly.  I know both accents and think I could tell the difference if I heard them side by side.  Both, if thick, are unintelligible, but it would have to do with cadence.  I also find great similarity in the accent in South Africa and that in parts of Australia.

14. Can you read music?
Simple music.  I took piano lessons for 2 years and sang in choirs for many years.  But don't ask me to read "Clair de Lune"!!

15.Have you been to McDonald’s in the past month?
No, but I went to Jack in the Box a couple of weeks ago (prefer it to McD's).

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!
 

Stolen from Strawberry Lollipop Kisses.

1. Are flowers a nice gift to give someone?
Sure.  Either flowers or wine.

2. Do you wear any jewelry?
I almost always wear earrings, sometimes a necklace, if I'm dressing up. 

3. Have you ever laid in a field of flowers?
Yes, but not lately.

4. Do you like tea?
It's OK, but rarely something I make for myself.  If I am going somewhere where tea is to be ordered, I order Earl Grey, which I do like.  Jeri has recommended a couple of teas for things like insomnia, but I have not tried them yet.

5. What would you do with a million dollars?
Probably squander it!  It would go to my kids, both the ones to whom I gave birth and the ones I sponsor through Compassion, Int'l.

6. What word do you have trouble saying?
Nothing that I can think of now, but I grew up in San Francisco two blocks from Greenwich St. and it took me to adulthood to realize that it was not pronounced Green-Witch.  The proper pronunciation still sounds strange to me.

7. Favorite fairytale?
I don't know that I have a favorite, but I do like "Beauty and the Beast."

8. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
No.  I have often thought it would be nice to cuddle up with a soft teddy bear, but my recliner is too small to accommodate me and a stuffie.

9. Do you prefer the city or the country?
For a long time (15 years) after we moved here from the San Francisco Bay area, I really missed big city life.  Here we are small city, not country, and it is finally "home" for me and my preference.

10. Are you a big fan of makeup?
I haven't worn makeup in about 30 years.  For one thing, my eyesight is so bad I can't do anything that requires taking my glasses off!

11. Favorite drink?
Ice cold water.

12. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve stayed awake?
Probably 48 hours, the night Paul died and the next day/night.

13. Have you ever traveled outside of your country?
I have been very fortunate to have visited about 25 different countries.

14. Do you like spring?
Spring around here is so beautiful.  I love it.

15. Lipstick or lipgloss?
I haven't worn lipstick in a long time, but occasionally do put on lip gloss, if my lips are dry and cracked.

16. Favorite color?
Red....the bluish shade, not the orange-ish shade.

17. Do you like to decorate?
I would love to, but am terrible at it, so I just throw stuff around and let it lie where it lands.

18. Do you ever go barefoot when you’re outside?
I never go outside without either socks or sandals.

19. Are aliens real?
If this means from outer space, who knows?  It is illogical to think we are the only sentient beings in the universe (and more and more I question "sentience" with us!)  Aiens from other countries, of course--and we treat them shamefully.

20. Does you zodiac sign fit your personality?
I once read that Aquarians are the kind of people who never quite close drawers all the way.  That so fits me!  I am disorganized and messy....stereotypical Aquarian.

21.Favorite sea animal?
I love whales, especially humpbacks.

22. Are you a nice person?
Well, of course I am.  Would I admit it if I were not?

23. Favorite word?
Serendipity.

24. Night or day?
I like night, though lately I am not staying awake as late as I usually do, and sleeping in in the morning is nice.

25. What would make you happy right now?
Binge watching Mrs Maisel, since I'm supposed to be quiet today after my surgery yesterday.  Lunch would also be nice. We're having leftover burritos. 

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!
 

This isn't stolen from anywhere in particular, but it is a questionnaire I have tried to answer each year....maybe it originated with Sunday Stealing; I don't know.  But maybe you'd like to look back on 2018 as well.

What did you do last year that you had not done before?
Lost all of my muscle strength!  (Fortunately it's back now)

Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions/goals for the year and will you make/set more for next year? What are they? What are your new ones?
I never make resolutions because I'm so bad at keeping them.

Did anyone you know give birth? Or become pregnant? Or adopt?
Not that I can think of.

Did anyone you know die? Or have a serious illness/injury?
Walt and I both had minorly seriously illnesses.  Surprisingly, I can't think of anyone who died.

What places have you visited?
Because of our weird afflictions, only Santa Barbara, for Tom's birthday.

Any new pets? Lost a pet?
We conferred with Polly and she let it be known that she is VERY happy as an only dog, running the house, so no.

What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year (doesn't have to be a physical thing i.e. love, job security, peace of mind...)?
No health concerns for anybody

What date from last year will remain etched in your memory and why?
Obviously since I can't think of one, none will remain etched in my memory.  I remember EVENTS, but not dates.

What was your biggest achievement last year?
Driving!  I drove for the first time in six months this week.

Did you get sick or injured?
Bad reaction to a statin drug, that drained my muscle strength.

What was the best thing you bought?
A $9 anti-bark thingy that has ended Polly's barking.  And to think I've up up with it for 10 years!!

Where did most of your disposable income go (money leftover after you pay for food, medical care, basic clothing, transportation and shelter)?
Sponsorship for Compassion kids, and Kindle books.

What song will always remind you of last year? Doesn't have to be a song released last year.
I worked to learn the score to Hamilton in case I actually see it some day.  "The Room where it Happened" is often an ear worm now.

What do you wish you would have done more of?
reading!!

What do you wish you would have done less of?
going to doctor visits.

What was your favorite new TV program? Movie? Album/Songs? Or if you didn't pick up any new ones, what are you still watching/listening to? Any recommendations?
I can't remember if it started this year but I'm loving Young Sheldon and also the new medical shows that started this year.  And, of course, the new season of Outlander is wonderful.

What was the best book you read this year? How many did you read?
I usually read 50-60 books a year, but this year I have only finished 15.  I just have not been taking time out to read.  Probably the best was "White Houses," the story of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickock.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Did you feel differently?
The school shooting in Florida happened on my birthday, so I spent most of the day watching TV and crying.  Two days later, Walt and I went to San Francisco for dinner and to attend a taping of our favorite radio show.  As far as feeling the difference between 74 and 75, no.

What political or social issue stirred you the most?
Oh Lord....all of them.  But mostly the separation of parents and kids and the thousands of "leftovers" who are still in baby jail

Who was the most interesting new person you met?
We haven't met face-to-face, but I now have an audio pal with whom I exchange audio recordings.  It's been about a year now and it's fun.

What changed at your job?
Nothing.  I'm still retired.

What changed in your home?
Ned, the white tornado, came in and started organizing and straightening.  Everything looks much better now, even if I'm constantly looking for where the whatsit or the whosit is now.

Describe how a relationship changed.
Ned had become much more directorial, realizing that Walt and I are aging and that he and his siblings will have to sort through the house after we are gone.  He's very efficient.

Do you think you are still the same person that you were at the beginning of the year? How so?
Probably.  The muscle thing sidelined me a bit, but not seriously.

Summarize the year in three words or less. Bonus points for doing it in one word. Explain.
Kaiser!!!!  We spent so many weeks at doctors' visits, follow-ups, lab tests, procedures, and emergencies for Walt, for me, and for my mother, that this has to be the year of Kaiser.

How have people around you changed?
My mother's dementia is worse.  Lacie, age 7, has become an avid reader (e.g., read "Harry Potter").

What have you learned throughout the year? (Other than crafts)
Nobody wants to discuss politics, which is frustrating when you are so angry all the time!

What was your favorite outfit for warm weather? Cooler weather?
I pretty much wear the same things year-round -- black pants, t-shirt and if its cold, a sweatshirt.  On my feet Birkenstocks with socks (even on rainy days).  This is California, after all.

Did you learn any new crafts or techniques? What was your favorite thing you made?
My favorite things are always journals.  Not sure I learned anything from them, but I do enjoy putting a journal together to share with someone.

What changed about your physical appearance? (Hair? Wrinkles? New makeup style? Etc)
Nothing except this "thing" on the bridge of my nose, which will be removed next week.

What are your hopes and dreams for the new year? (Some suggestions-family, travel, work, lifestyle, hobbies, pets, appearance)
I actually have no personal hopes and/or dreams for next year, as I don't see anything really changing, except possibly my mother, who is pushing 100.  On the wider stage, I hope that we find a way to rein Trump in without making Pence president. But I am not hopeful.

Sunday Stealing

What season has your favorite looks?

I'm so fashion un-conscious, I am unaware that there are"looks" to various seasons, but I'd guess winter because you are more covered up.

Formal or casual?

Oh definitely casual!

Thrift store, boutique, or online?

Well, I don't shop thrift stores or boutiques and rarely shop on line and never go to a store, but I guess on line is the closest.  I can't buy pants on line that fit, so I just don't buy them.

What’s your favorite decade for fashion?

The decade where I was most comfortable was the 50s  Loved those poodle skirts!

Do you like to accessorize?

I always wear earrings, but usually the same pair all the time.  Occasionally I will "dress up" with a necklace.  I would dearly love how to make myself look decent with a neck scarf but have thus far been unsuccessul.

What does your basic outfit look like?

Black pants and a t-shirt, and when it's cold, a sweatshirt overthat.

What piece of clothing do you spend your money on the most?

t-shirts, I guess, but I have so many of them now I haven't bought any new ones in a couple of years.

Do you wear hats?

No.  I have a very large head and those "one size fits all" hats don't fit me.  I understand this is a trait I share with Oprah, but she can afford to have her headgear made for her.  I once checked out every single hat on display at a local store and ALL of them were too small.

What is your opinion on wearing socks and sandals together?

It's what I wear all the time.

What colors do you like to wear?

Well, I love wearing red, but mostly wear blue and my pants are 99% of the time black.

What are some of the strangest outfits you have seen?

I grew up in San Francisco and lived in Berkeley for several years.  I've seen it all!

What fashions do you hate?

Anything featured on the fashion run-way which are made for skinny models and look bizarre anyway (so why do I like Project Runway?)

What are you favorite styles?

To look at, frilly stuff.  I would love to have been Scarlet O'Hara.  More practical, I like tailored suits nicely accessorized which make even overweight women look stylish.

What do you think of body piercing?

I often wonder how people with multiple piercings cope with life.  How do you eat with tongues pierced?  I have pierced ears one piercing each ear, but I've seen people with just about every possible body part pierced.  Overdone, methinks!

Do you like dyed hair?

Having a son who has been every color from his now white to pink many years ago, I'm fine with whatever color you want to color your hair.  It's not for me, though.   I earned all the salt in my pepper!

Sunday Stealing

favorite novel and author?
A toss-up between John Steinbeck's "East of Eden" and Pat Conroy's "Prince of Tides." The former for its wonderfully descriptive passages about an area that I drive through frequently, the latter for the plot, which Barbra Streisand ruined when she decided to make herself the star of the move.

favorite perfume/scent?
Because of so many people with scent allergies, I do not wear a scent any more, but when I did, I usually wore Chanel #5.

coffee or tea?
Coffee.  I have never been a tea drinker.  I love Peet's French Roast, which I have been buying for about 40 years.

are you a cat or dog person?
Dog.  We had a wonderfully noble cat once, but the next two and I did not get along, so I stick with dogs. 

which mythical creature would you transform into if you could?
The Loch Ness Monster, so I could find out where he goes when nobody can see him/her.

favorite time period?
There are lots of wonderful time periods that sound great in books, but being practical, it would have to be a time period with indoor plumbing, hot water, immunizations, and clothing that didn't take a servant to get you into.  The 50s was a nice time period for me because I was a kid and unaware of the social injustices and only mildly aware of the Korean war.  I'd have to go back to the 50s as a kid again.

name 3 films that have changed your life and have shaped you into the person you are today.
A Star Is Born, the movie that has been part of my life since 1954
The Blue Veil, a corny old old movie about a woman who took care of babies all her life (I often thought of that movie in the years when we were hosting foreign students, especially when we had to say good bye)
The Nun's Story, after which I desperately wanted to be a missionary nun (maybe the reason I have become so enamored with Compassion Int'l, and sponsoring children in other countries)

diamonds or pearls?
Pearls, I think.  I'd be nervous to have diamonds because of my penchant for losing jewelry.

what’s your biggest dream?
Seeing "the big 5" live, not in zoos

dream destination?
Kenya or Botswana or Tanzania

favorite fictional character?
Right now I am reliving the Outlander series, so Claire and Jamie are high on my list.  I also love Myron Bolitar from the Harlan Coben books and Harry Bosch from Michael Connelly.  In classic books, I long to be Jo March from "Little Women."

share a quote or passage that means something to you.
"Clutter and mess show us that life is being lived...Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation... Perfectionism is a mean, frozen form of idealism, while messes are the artist's true friend. What people somehow forgot to mention when we were children was that we need to make messes in order to find out who we are and why we are here."
~Anne Lamott

what’s your favorite plant/flower?
yellow roses.

do you prefer the forest or the ocean? why?
I am an Aquarian, so it's not a surprise that I love the ocean.  I love the sight of it, the sound of it and the smell of it.  I draw the line at actually swimming in it, though.

what do you value most in people?
Camaraderie, loyalty, a sense of humor

Sunday Stealing

Classical: If you were an Olympian god, what would you be known for?
I'd be the goddess of napping

Byzantine: Do you prefer gold or silver accessories?
I don't wear a lot of jewelry at all and I think most of it is (faux) gold, but if I have to offer a preference, I think silver

Medieval: Are you religious?
No.  Spiritual, I think, but I gave up on organized religion many years ago when a nun and priest in San Francisco, whose ministry was to the gay community, were forbidden to use the church for their services.  It was the straw that broke the Catholic camel's back for me.

Gothic: What is your favorite historic building?

This Church of the Transfiguration on Kizhi Island in Russia, which we saw in 2010.  It was closed for repairs when we were there (may still be for all I know), but I loved the look -- it has the most onion domes in Russia (22).  It was completed in 1714 during the reign of Peter the Great and supposedly built by one man, using no nails (wooden nails were not "invented" until later), who is said to have tossed his axe into the lake when it was finished, saying that there was never a church like this and never would be again.  Whether the story is apocryphal or not, I think it's fairly safe to say the statement was true! 

Renaissance: Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt enlightened or changed?
Hmmm....I don't know.  Probably, but no "a-HA" moment comes to mind.

Baroque: Do you enjoy the finer things in life?
I probably would if I could afford them, but I am content with what we have.

Rococo: Is your bedroom full of trinkets and pictures? If so, which pictures adorn your walls?
There is a painting by my maternal grandmother and this poster:

Neoclassicism: If something came back into fashion, what do you hope it would be?
Well, most of the things that I liked that were once in fashion are things I am still wearing, they go out of fashion and then come back.

Romanticism: Do you often see things in a positive light?
Not since Trump took office.

Pre-Raphaelite: Which book would you like to see turned into a film?
You know...I've seen a lot of books turned into films and almost (not entirely) without exception, the film ruins a good book.  That said, I am still enjoying the TV series for Outlander even though it has taken a lot of liberties that are not in the book.

Impressionism: Do you look for details or take everything in at once?
I am terrible at catching details, though later I am surprised at what inconsequential things I did notice.

Art Nouveau: When were you last at the theatre?
Two weeks ago when I reviewed It's a Wonderful Life but I'm going to a matinee today, of a play called Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberly, which is an imagined sequel to Pride and Prejudice.

Surrealism: Why does the porcupine think it's a duck?

It's a secret between the two of them.  I don't pry.

Pop Art: Do you enjoy pop culture?
Not really.  I was a teenager in the 50s and didn't like Elvis Presley; I lived in SF in the 60s and never smoked pot.  I never have been a pop culture person.

Contemporary: What did you do today?
-Made strawberry pastries for breakfast.
-Visited my mother and took her to lunch at "the big restaurant" at Atria
-Stopped at Peet's with Jeri for frozen mochas
-Took a nap
- Decorated the Christmas tree

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud) Cheers to all of us thieves!

These are lifted from hooked on memes, which seems to have disappeared since I stole it!

1. How many states have you been in?
I can't remember, but most of them.  We seem to be missing a swath down the middle and some southern states.

2. If a sexist Man is called a pig, what is a sexist Woman called?
Pandora has the best answer:  "discriminating."

3. You see the one person who you absolutely despise. If you were guarentee'd that he/she couldn't say or do anything back to you.... What would you do??
Fantasize about what I'd like to do, but do nothing since I'm not that kind of person (I'm only that kind of person mentally)

4. How many states are to the right of you? And don’t give us a map to look at.
If I'm staring at a map, 46 of them!

5. You can go anywhere in the world for free. Where are you?
A photo safari somewhere in Africa.

6. HOW MANY FINGERS AM I HOLDING UP?
I hope it's not the middle one.

7. Are you a boxing fan?
Good lord, no.  My father was a huge boxing fan, mostly the heavyweights (and my great uncle was a featherweight champion), so I know more than I would ordinarily know about boxing since I grew up with it, but I am no fan.

8. What is the most disgusting thing you have ever eaten?
Durian

9. Is it cloudy right now?
I can see blue in the sky which means that not only is it not cloudy, but the recent rains have cleaned up the unhealthy smoke from the big fires here in California (a friend of ours got pneumonia with sepsis and had to be hospitalized for 3 days from the smoke--she's still bedridden, but at home).

10. Someone gives you a $500 gift card to WalMart or Target. What are you going to buy?
Well, it won't be at WalMart, and $500 won't go all that far, but I'd probably use it for Christmas shopping, if only I could drive to get there!

11. When you were little, what did you want to be "when you grow up"? And, how much different is your occupation now from where you thought it would be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a nun, a nurse, and a secretary.  I also wanted to be a Mom, and I did get to be a Mom....and worked many years as a secretary.

12. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I can't think of a toy, but I was a big game person and loved to play Monopoly or to work jigsaw puzzles.

13. What is the last place you had a good cry and why?
Yesterday.  I read "Bridge to Terabithia" for my next assignment from my 10 year old granddaughter.  I probably sobbed through the last 1/3 of it!

14. Which Sesame Street Character do you relate with the most and why?
Miss Piggy because I, too, am zaftig and gorgeous.  Or maybe the cookie monster.

15. Did you ever make what you believed at the time to be a horrible mistake - that in hindsight turned out to lead you on the best path in your life?
I can think of a couple of bad decisions that turned out to be the best I'd made, in retrospect.

16. What’s your favorite show to watch on television nowadays?
Outlander (it's on TONIGHT!)

17. Do you believe there is life after death?
There had better be or I'm going to be pissed.  I've been waiting decades to "ground" my 2 sons for all eternity for the dumb things they did that got themselves killed (but maybe I'll just hug them instead).

Sunday Stealing

1: Favorite style of clothing
Comfortable.

2: Do I ever get "good morning" or "good night" texts?
Once in a great while from Jeri.

3: Have I ever kissed the last person I texted?
The last person I texted was our UK visitor Caroline who left today to meet her fianc� and go traveling around California, and no, I have not kissed her (hugged, but not kissed)

4: When did I last hold hands?
With Walt, when he was in the hospital.

5: How long does it take me to get ready in the morning?
Depends on whether I've slept in my clothes or in pjs

6: Have I shaved my legs in the past three days?
No.  Many, many years ago, my legs went "bald" and shaving is not necessary any more.

7: Where am I right now?
Sitting at my desk in my office.

8: Do I have someone of the opposite sex I can tell everything to?
No.

9: How often do I wear a fake smile?
I don't know.  Sometimes, but I'm not aware of it. 

10: When was the last time I hugged someone?
I hugged Caroline when she left this morning.

11: Is there anyone I trust even though I should not?
I don't think so.  I think everyone I trust is trustworthy--at least so far

12: What is something I disliked about today?
I was unable to sleep last night so I am working on no sleep.

13: If I could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?
The cast of The Big Bang Theory.

14: What do I think about most?
What to write for tomorrow's "Funny the World."  Lately, however, it is the damn Kavanaugh hearings.

15: Do I prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
Definitely behind the camera.

16: Do I prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?
I don't really do much video chatting, so I guess talking on the phone.

17: Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens?
Yes to both.  I don't necessarily believe there are aliens here, but it's the height of chutzpah to assume that in the vast universe we are the only intelligent beings.

18: Do I believe in magic?
Well, until I saw Shin Lim on America's Got Talent, I assumed it was all trickery, but I think he sold his soul to the devil and has actual magic.

19: Do I believe in luck?
Yes.  I know it's something I definitely do not have that others do.

20: What's the weather like right now?
66 degrees F and sunny.  Very pleasant.

21: What was the last book I've read?
A book called "Only Child," written in the voice of a 6 year old boy about the aftermath of the death of his 9 year old brother in a school shooting.

22: Do I like the smell of gasoline?
Very much.

23: What was the worst injury I've ever had?
I fell off my bike on a charity ride and dislocated my shoulder in 2003.

24: Do I spend money or save it?
Most of my disposable income goes to sponsor children through Compassion, Int'l

25: Can I touch my nose with my tongue?
No...and my granddaughter can't either

Sunday Stealing

1 When was the last time you tried something new?
My son made "crack chicken" for us this week. It was delicious.

2 Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
These days, with all of my memory lapses, my mother and her dementia.

3 What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?
"never go to the foot when the head can be had."  It was something my godfatheralwas said, which means don't go to an underline for help when the big guy is there.

4 What gets you excited about life?
Nature.  Happy kids.  My mother's rare good day.  Having my kids visit.

5 What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
Nothing lasts forever.

6 What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago?
I think I'm pretty much doing today what I did five years ago, so nothing

7 Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know?
Depends on the subject.  I am very inquisitive about some things, could care less about others.

8 Who do you love and what are you doing about it?
My family...and trying to make quality time when I am with them.

9 What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?
Trump is a very bad president (fortunately most of the people I know personally agree with me)

10 What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?
Absolutely nothing.  With this weakness that has taken hold of me, I can't do an awful lot of what I could do a year ago.

11 Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength?
Neither.  I think it's a sign of being moved emotionally by something.

12 What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

13 Do you celebrate the things you do have?
Celebrate?  How odd.  I can't imagine celebrating "things"

14 What is the difference between living and existing?
I am living; my mother is existing, though she is not ready to leave this life.

15 If not now, then when?
When the time is right, I guess.

16 Have you done anything lately worth remembering?
Good lord...this whole month, with its many, many trips to Kaiser for me or for Walt is memorable.  Whether it's worth remembering is another story.

17 What does your joy look like today?
A new book and time to read it.

18 Is it possible to lie without saying a word?
Sure!  Just watch anything from Washington these days and see the liars at their best.

19 If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend?
I dunno.  I'm pretty lenient with myself.

20 Which activities make you lose track of time?
Writing Funny the World, watching TV, making Swap Bot Journals.

21 If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
The history of the first 35 years of The Lamplighters Theatre Company

22 What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
This kind of like a bucket list question and I have often thought about what I would want in my bucket list at this stage of my life and realize that I never had high expectations, but have achieved most of  the things I wanted to do, except for a couple of trips that I am now not physically able to make.

23 Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of?
Oh heck...I hold on to everything.

24 When you are 80-years-old, what will matter to you the most?
That's 4-1/2 years from now. My kids and grandkids will matter the most (I am assuming my mother is not going to live to 105)

25 When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?
When you know that it's right, I guess!

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!

Stolen from Penny Royal Princess

1: 3 FearsBeing permanently disabled
Large semi-trucks on the freeway
Public speaking

2: 3 things I loveMy family
Elephants
Views of the ocean

3: 4 turns onDungeness crab
Puppies
Musical theater
Fog

4: 4 turns offMost politicians these days especially you know who
Cruelty to humans or animals
Liver or beets 
Telemarketers

5: My best friend

6: My favorite bookI don't really know any more, but maybe "Prince of Tides."

7: My best first dateI don't know if it was the best first date, but my first date was at age 13 with a guy I went steady with for 3 years until he became a Jesuit.

8: How tall am I5'6" -- 1-1/2 ft shorter than I used to be

9: What do I missThese guys

10: What time was I bornI don't know.  I couldn't tell time yet.

11: Favorite colorRed--the bluish kind, not the orange-ish kind

12: Do I have a crushNo

13: Favorite quoteOne I use a lot is "I always think there's a band, kid."

14: Favorite placeThese days, there's no place like home.

15: Favorite foodDungeness crab

16: Do I use sarcasmIs the pope Catholic?

17: What am I listening to right nowa Twizzlers commercial

18: First thing I notice in new personI honestly don't know.

19: Eye colorHazel

20: Hair colorsalt and pepper

Sunday Stealing

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!

Stolen from See the Stars Ablaze

1 - You’re in a tattoo parlor about to get inked. What are you getting done?
I can't imagine getting a tattoo, since I don't like them, but if I did, it would probably be an animal of some kind -- maybe an elephant.

2 - If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be?
Oh, Claire Beauchamp Randall Frasier from "Outlander"

3 - You’re given $10,000…under one condition: you cannot keep the money for yourself. Who would you give it to?
$10,000 doesn't go very far, does it?  I'd probably do something grand for my Compassion kids, but that's not even enough to give $1,000 to each of them.

4 - If you had to go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
Eliminate the Electoral College

5 - If you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be?
I'd be hard pressed to choose from the year David died or the year Paul died.

6 - You’re an Action Movie Hero. What’s your weapon of choice and the line you scream when defeating your arch enemy?
Here's where I use "the first thing that comes into my mind: -- the jawbone of an ass and I'd yell "cowabunga."  (Don't ask me where those answers came from!)

7 - What is the first curse word that comes to mind?
F***

8 - Would you rather be stranded on a desert island with someone you love for ten years or someone you hate for a month? Explain why.
Someone I hate.  A month is long enough to have meaningful discussions about why you don't like each other.  Ten years is long enough to grow to hate someone!

9 - 5 things within touching distance:
* A book of Portuguese verbs
* A jar of Spry gum recommended by my dentist
* A small electric fan
* 2 packages of Cholula sauce (from a SwapBot swap)
* A bowl of rolls of washi tape

10 - What are you supposed to be doing right now?
Sitting with my legs up.

11 - Currently wanting to see anyone?
No one in particular.  I'm enjoying hermiting and trying to get my strength back.

12 - Would you go against your moral code for money?
No.  There is nothing I would want to do or buy with money.

13 - What’s more important to you: strength of the body or strength of the mind?
Right now, strength of body, since I seem to have lost it, but if it doesn't come back, definitely strength of the mind.

14 - How important you think education is?
Very. 

15 - If you were the president, what would you do?
Reverse most things that #45 has done